Pull-Through Braid Updo

Have you ever heard of the pull-through braid? Although a bit more time consuming than a normal braid, this method gives you the look of an INVERTED braid. What's better than a braid?! An updo of course! 

Today I'll be showing you how to go from a classic pull through braid:

To this gorgeous pull through braid updo that can be worn neat or messy:

I've created a video tutorial for this look, because it will much easier to explain!

Dutch Fishtail Braid

I think I have a small obsession with braids....you may or may not have noticed this! That being said, I'm totally in love with this dutch fishtail braid that I thought I'd share it with you all today. Surprisingly, its pretty simple to do and I've even included a video tutorial below!

This looks adorable whether its to the side as shown here, straight down the back, and even diagonally!

Video Tutorial:

Bold Smokey Eye & Red Lips

Hi there! Today's makeup is VERY dramatic and was oh so fun to create. I've been playing around with this look a lot, and finally decided to film a tutorial to go along with it. If this look is too bold for you, try out a nude lip...I absolutely LOVE the combo. Let me know if you would rock bold eyes AND lips in the comments below. 

Products Used:

(Items in blue can be clicked on to view product)

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation

Kevin Aucoin SX02

Makeup Forever HD Translucent Powder 

NYX Slide-On Eyeliner "Jet Black"

NYX Baked Eyeshadow "Smoke & Mirrors"

Lorac 2 Palette "Lt Brown" "Cool Gray" "Black"
NYX Concealer in a Jar
Urban Decay Naked Palette "Virgin"
L'Oreal Miss Manga Mascara
Ardell Demi Wispies 
Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palette
Mac Cream Blush "Ladylike"
Nars Lipliner "Jungle Red"
YSL Rouge Lipstick #17

How-To Video Tutorial:

Brown Nudes for Fall

Hello! Today's makeup look is another wearable, everyday fall look. I love looks that can be wearable, but stay tuned for some fun colorful fall looks soon! 

Get the Look

-For my eyes, I played around with a lot of different eyeshadows to create this look. I mainly pulled from the purple toned colors from my Laura Mercier Artist's Eyeshadow palette. This was limited edition last Christmas, but any steel/purple colors will work. The BH Cosmetics Day to Night palette also has very similar shades.

-I used my Milani Liquif'eye Eyeliner on my upper lash line and water line and smudged it out.

-I applied mascara to my upper and lower lashes using L'Oreal Telescopic and then applied Andrea Accent Lashes ( I just got a 4 pack for $3 off Amazon and LOVE them).

-For my lips, I actually mixed a bit of lavender lipstick with a brown nude lipstick to tie into my eyes! 

-Last but not least, we can't forget blush! I used my Coastal Scents Blush Palette and mixed together a lavender and matte neutral brown.

Bold Lips for Fall

I cannot believe yesterday rung in the first day of fall! Wasn't it just summer? I'm not complaining though, because I can definitely use a break from this Florida heat. In honor of the start of fall, I decided to bust out my dark lipstick today!

I wasn't sure which set of pictures I liked better, so I added both! Let me know what you think.

Get the Look:

-I started out by gently dusting a shimmery gold eyeshadow across my lid. (I used the gold color in my Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette).

-Ever so lightly, I used the shade "Naked" from my Naked Palette which is a light, matte brown, in the outer-v of my eye and blended it out. I wanted it to almost appear as my natural crease.

-I dusted the gold and matte brown under my lower lash line. 

-Then, I created a cat eye, added little "flare" lashes--basically false eyelashes that only go in the outer corner. I would really recommend using these if your lashes need a little umph but you find putting on regular lashes too time consuming.

-For my lips I used Revlon's Black Cherry, which is a deep berry color.

Bold Lashes, Liner, With a Soft Cat Eye

I love everyday, wearable looks and today I have another to share with you. I opted for bold liner (although the cat eye is very subtle and soft) and bold lashes. Anytime I wear bold liner, I think its a MUST to have some big, bold lashes to go with it--otherwise, they tend to disappear. To tone down the liner, I kept the rest of my eye very neutral. Read below for a step-by-step tutorial!

Get the Look:

- Apply a matte bronzer or medium brown shade to your crease.
-Add a neutral, cream shade to your lid. 
-Use a highlight under your brow bone with a bit of shimmer to glam up this look. 
-I lined both waterlines with the new Laura Mercier TIghline Cake Liner since it really stays on without smudging. I also used this to create a soft cat eye by very lightly applying it.
-I mixed a bit of black and matte brown eyeshadow and smudged it under my lower lash line.
-Finished off the look with some falsies, I used the Ardell Demi Wispies

Lorac Pro 2 Palette Smokey Eye

Hi ladies! With fall right around the corner, I've been loving simple smokey eyes lately. To jazz this up a bit, I used a bit of shimmer on the lid today! I don't have a video tutorial up for this one yet, but let me know if you'd be interested in seeing one.

Get the look:

-Apply an eyeshadow primer on your lid 

-Using my Lorac Pro 2 Palette and a crease brush, I applied "Light Brown" and "Cool Gray" to my crease".

-Mixing together a bit of "Mocha" and "Chrome", I applied this to my lid and under my lower lash line.

-Finished this look off with a simple cat eye, apply a bit of mascara, and I chose to use some false eyelashes from Ardell (Demi Wispies).

**When I take pictures of my makeup, I tend to use false eyelashes to make them stand out more! If you're going for a casual look, you can choose to forgo them!

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Vegan Cuts Beauty Box: May 2014 Unboxing

Hello there! I have been loving subscription boxes lately, and today I'll be unboxing my May Vegan Cuts box for you. Now Vegan Cuts has two separate boxes, one catered towards food and the other beauty (which is the one I have today). Let's take a look!

The Subscription Box: Vegan Cuts 

The Cost: $19.95

The Products: 4-7 products that are 100% cruelty free and mostly organic and natural!

This month, I received six products and I would consider four of them very well sized. Let's take a further look!

 Gourmet Body Treats Finishing Powder: FULL SIZE ($25) Now, I don't think I would pay $25 for this powder if it wasn't in this box simply because only about 1/3 of the jar is full. I've never seen a powder quite this empty. However, for being in a subscription box, this is a really good size product that I will definitely be using. 

Skinagain Vanish Lotion: FULL SIZE ($52) WOW! Another full sized product?! And a high-end one at that. This is great for any skin type and I'm actually really excited to try this out. Normally, I don't go out and spend this much on my own for a skincare product, so I'm glad it was in this box.

Sevi Blue Yarrow Sea Salt Texturizer: 2.15 oz ($4) I'm obsessed with salt sprays, especially now that it is summer time and I'm always at the beach. This isn't a full-sized product but it is a really good amount!

Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques Lash Strengthening Mascara:Travel Size ($9) This little mascara is adorable and perfect to take with you on the go!

Tallulah Jane Natural Perfume Vial: ($2) This little perfume smells great! 

Goddess Garden Organics Sunny Body SPF 30 Sunscreen: (Sample) I'm not a big fan of "foil packets" because I rarely use them and in this case, I already have lots of other sunblocks. 

Box Cost: $19.95

Box is Worth: $92

This was my first month trying out Vegan Cuts and WOW! The value was phenomenal and I can actually say that I'll be using every item I received (with the exception of the sunblock, I'm sure). This is great for beauty lovers like myself who are also against animal cruelty. Have you tried Vegan Cuts before? Let me know in the comments below!

Beauty Army: May 2014 Unboxing

Hello loves! Yikes--its already June! Where has the time gone? Today I wanted to share with you my Beauty Army Box that I received for the month of May. Let's take a look:

The Subscription Box: Beauty Army

The Cost: $12/month

The Products: You can choose up to 6 samples.

What's different about BeautyArmy than other beauty subscription boxes is that every month you can see the items in your showroom (based on a quiz you've taken) and then you can select which samples you'd like to receive. This does take the element of surprise out of the box, which I normally love, but at least if there is something you want to try you can select it!  

Dermis 8 Exfoliating Soap Bar: $4.99 This is a great travel size soap bar! I have yet to use it, and am saving it for my next trip!

BH Cosmetics California Collection Sample: Now this collection sample is a bit old and was released  in 2013. However, I never got around to trying it out so this sample is great. Plus, I'm already a fan of BH Cosmetics

Vidal Sassoon Gloss Cream: $3.29 Wow! This is a big, full sized product. Not expensive, but a great size to really get a feel for how it works.

Amala Hydrate Trio, Kate Somerville CC Cream, and No. 7 Day & Night Cream: I'm not a big fan of foil packets, I have a drawer full of them and never get around to using them. I see these three joining them.

Overall, it wouldn't hurt to take a look and see what's in your Beauty Army Showroom. You can always pass if nothing perks your interest or if you see something you've been wanting to try-go for it! I feel that you do get your money's worth, but not much more than that as you do with some other boxes. Have you tried out BeautyArmy? Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Craft of Tea: May 2014 Unboxing

Hello again! Some of you may know that I have a small obsession with tea. I love having something soothing to wake me up in the morning and I am not a big fan of coffee so tea is the perfect solution. Today, I will be unboxing my Craft of Tea box for you all!

The Subscription Box: Craft of Tea

The Cost: 

(One time Signature box:)

1 month 4 teas  $24.95

1 month 8 teas  $39.95

3 months 8 teas $134.95

*USE CODE: LONESTARSHOPPER for 50% off to any of our tea subscription box and products*

The Products: 4 or 8 flavors of looseleaf teas (about .5 oz per pack)

Starry Night: A sweet mix of strawberry, hibiscus flowers, apples, rose hips and lemongrass. This is completely caffeine free with no sugar or other sweeteners. This tea will be perfect after a stressful day when I'm trying to unwind for the night! Normally, I'm not too big on fruity/floral teas but I'm interested to try this out. 

Calm & Refresh: A caffeine free, herbal tea intended to ease your mind and help you relax. This is a signature tea of Craft of Tea!

Amazing Sencha: This is a classic green tea (one of my favorites!) Green tea is one of the most beneficial teas for you. I like mine with a bit of honey!

Scottish Blend Earl Grey: Black tea is such a classic, and also my personal favorite. I love just about every variety of black tea out there and this is no exception.  It is also flavored with bergamot (a citrus fruit).

If you are a tea drinker, this is the box for you. You can even explore their website and buy the tea individually--they have everything categorized wonderfully! What's your favorite type of tea? Let me know in the comments!

Splendies: May 2014 Unboxing

Hello all! Today I have my Splendies unboxing to share with you. This was my first Splendies package and I'm so excited to show you all what I received.

The Subscription Box: Splendies

The Cost: $12/month with free shipping (Use code SPLENDIES for $4 off your first month) for $2 more you can request a "no thong" package as well. 

The Products: 3 pairs of underwear each month, arriving discretely at your door. 

This first pair of underwear is from Vision Intimates. They are a boy short style and are a cotton material. 

This silky flower pair from Jennifer Intimates is definitely my favorite. The pattern is cute and I love the lace detailing. 

The last pair from Love Libby are a bit old-fashion style for me, but I will definitely still wear them. They are also a silky/spandex material. 

Final Thoughts: I am very happy with what I received this month! The cost works out to be $4 a pair or about $2.75 for your first month so it is very reasonable for great quality underwear. Are you all subscribed to Splendies--if so, what did you get this month?

Ipsy Bag: May 2014

Hi all! I always love receiving my Ipsy Bag in the mail and couldn't be more excited when it came in the mail today! Unfortunately, this was the first month that I've been disappointed since I subscribed a few months back. Looking at the "Glam Room" there were a lot of great products I wish I would have gotten instead. Nevertheless, I'm still very happy with this subscription and hope next month will be a bit better!  Let's take a look at what I got.

The Subscription Box: Ipsy 

The Cost: $10 a month (free shipping)

The Products: Full size and samples of makeup and beauty products. (Plus a makeup bag!)

Ships to: US and Canada

Despite everything I don't like about this month's bag--I actually LOVE the bag. It's a canvas material and is my favorite that I've received to date!

Crown Brush Pro Blending Fluff Brush (C433): ($5.49) Although I have a lot of makeup brushes, this brush will come in handy! I'm excited to final try out a Crown brush.

Pacifica Mineral Eyeshadow Duo "Moonbeam & Unicorn": ($8?) I was searching on Pacifica's website and they actually are not selling this so I had to estimate on the guess. Possibly its a discontinued product or has not been released yet. Nevertheless, the packaging looks very cheap and I am not a fan of the colors at all. The other color option this month was more of a neutral, golden shade which I would have preferred instead. This will be going in my bag of things to give away.

Hang Ten - Classic Sport SPF50: (1 oz. $2.17) Personally, I am not a fan of getting skin care products. With summer practically here in Florida, it will get put to use but I already have piles of sunscreen laying around my apartment. I would have liked to try something a bit more unique.

Pur-lisse - Pur-moist Hydra Balance Moisturizer: (.05 oz. $1.62) Another skin care product -- I could have dealt with one in my bag but not happy with two. I even mentioned on my "beauty quiz" that I did not want any skin products.

Nailtini "Champagne": ($13) This nail polish alone is worth more than the bag itself and it's the one thing I LOVE. Very big size, and I really like the color too. 

Cost of Bag: $10

Value of Bag: $30.28 plus a cute makeup bag!

Overall, I wasn't widely impressed this month but I have hope for next month! The value, after all, was still great...I just personally care for some of the products.

Wearable Glitter Makeup Look

                     
Hi everyone! Today I created a wearable glitter look--because let's face it, who doesn't love glitter?! Its great for day or night as well. I put together this look as my entry for the NYX Face Awards 2014. For that reason, I've included a video tutorial for you to watch if you want to recreate this look. Make sure to click "LIKE" on the video! ONE LIKE = ONE VOTE 


                         

 Watch how to get the look here:

(Make sure to click the "like" button!)

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Pomegranate Punk Makeup Look

Today I was feeling a bit daring. I went for this bold mahogany or "pomegranate" color. On my lid I used the Maybelline Color Tattoo in Pomegranate Punk; I absolutely LOVE the color tattoos and have for a very long time. I applied the red rusty color over top of it to set it. Then, I applied "Naked" from my Urban Decay Naked Palette, which is a matte brown, in my crease. Normally, I don't go for a red look on my eyes but I actually really like how this came out. What do you think??

Ipsy Box March 2014

Ipsy is a monthly beauty and makeup subscription box. Each month you get full size or deluxe-sized products, plus a cute makeup bag. This is my first month subscribing to them so let's take a look at what I received!

The Subscription Box: Ipsy 

The Cost: $10 a month (free shipping)

The Products: Full size and samples of makeup and beauty products. (Plus a makeup bag!)

Ships to: US and Canada

Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in "Get Ready": 1.5g ($7.50) I love Bare Minerals so I am really excited to try out their lipstick. I normally go for more bold colors and looking out their website, this lipstick comes in so many fun colors, I wish I would have gotten a different color to play around with. 

Be a Bombshell "Bora Bora" Eyeshadow Quad: ($16) Full sized eyeshadow? Yes, please! I haven't tried the Be a Bombshell brand yet so I'll have to let you all know what I think. As for the colors themselves, they are really bright and seem to be pigmented well. However, I don't think these colors really go well together to complete a full look.

Nicole by OPI Roughles "On What Grounds": 0.5g ($7.99): I love getting a full sized nail polish! Especially from OPI. I love this color (it reminds me of those chocolate easter eggs with flecks of color in them). However, I am not loving the texture. I'm not a fan of textured nail polish, even though I painted my nails well, it looks as if I bumped into a million things before they dried. 

Pixi Beauty Flawless Beauty Primer: 12ml ($3.60):  Again, another product I've never tried and I'm really excited to try out a face primer because I currently do not use one!

 Cost of box: $10

Value of my box: $35.09 + makeup bag

Great value and LOVE the size of the products. I definitely cannot wait for next months :)

Classic Smokey Eye Makeup Tutorial

Hello again! Todays look is the classic smokey eye! I have a video tutorial going up on this soon so stay tuned. This look is quite simple, just requires a lot of blending. On the lid, I used a Coastal Scents Silver Glitter Pigment and set it with a white/cream color from my Ben Nye Palette. In the outer corner, I used a range a light gray to black starting with the lightest gray and blending in the darker colors as I went.

Navy & Teal Eyeshadow Look

Hi there! Today's makeup is a dramatic blue smokey eye. All the eyeshadows I used were from my BH Cosmetics Day to Night palette. This palette is amazing for playing around with colors. I used a bright navy on the lid, a muted blue and gray in the crease, black in the outer corner and teal on my lower lash line. I completed the look with Ardell false lashes and some black eyeliner. I had so much fun creating this look and loved how it came out, but it might be a bit too crazy for me to wear out at night--what do you think? Let me know!

Romantic Smokey Eye with Pop of Color

Todays makeup incorporates some color! All the colors shown are from my BH Cosmetics "Day to Night" palette. A gold/beige on the lid, pink in the crease, and purples in the outer corner and lower lash line. I used a purple liner from Urban Decay and Ardell 'natural' false lashes. Feel free to draw inspiration from this look and use whatever eyeshadow colors you already have! 

xo,

Courtney

Dark Cat-Eye With Neutral Eyes

I hope you all are having a wonderful day so far! Here is my makeup look today. I really love this one and  may do a video tutorial soon to accompany it. For my eyeshadow, I kept it simple with my Lorac Pro Palette ("Cream" on the lid, "Taupe" in the crease, "Nude" as a highlight). And then used a combination of liquid liner (L'Oreal Telescopic) and pencil liner (Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On).

Gold Liner Eye Makeup

Todays makeup is a neutral eye with a pop of gold liner. I recently picked up this Covergirl Flamed Out  Shadow Pencil in "Gold Flame"and decided to have a little fun with it while keeping it natural. On the lids I used my Urban Decay Naked Palette "Sin" and a touch of "Half Baked" on top. In the crease I used "Buck".

Quick, Natural Makeup (Naked 2 Palette)

I've decided to start blogging my daily makeup looks (on the days I actually wear makeup that is…) and here is a look I wore yesterday. Its very simple, neutral and uses only shadows from the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette. If I have a video tutorial to accompany the look I will be sure to include it!

St. Patricks Day Treats!

Hello all! Recently, I made some "St.Pattys Day" inspired desserts since March 17th is quickly approaching. I had a video to accompany this post and I deleted it on accident (boo!) I still decided to post the pictures and share the recipes with you all! Let me know if you try them out :)

Party Mix

Ingredients:

• Popcorn
• Peanut
• Chocolate Chips
• Pretzels 
• White Chocolate
• Green Food Coloring
• Green M&M's

Directions:

This one is really simple!

• Layer pretzels first on a baking sheet.
• Pop popcorn and evenly layer it on top of the pretzels.
• Melt white chocolate and add green food coloring. (If you are using regular white chocolate you may need to add a little olive oil to it to keep it from thickening)
• Drizzle over popcorn and pretzels.
• Quickly add your toppings so it all sticks together. I used peanut, chocolate chips, and green m&m's to give it a little color.
• Once the chocolate hardens break them up and you can put them in cute little bags for your friends and family!

Chocolate Dipped Oreos & Strawberries

Ingredients:

• I used the mint Oreos since the center is green (and they taste JUST like Thin Mints!)
• Strawberries
• White Chocolate Chips
• Green Food Coloring
• Sprinkles

Directions:

Again, another easy one!

• Melt the chocolate chips (you may need to add a little oil to keep it from thickening)
• Add green food coloring
• Dip half or the entire Oreo and Strawberry into the chocolate
• Add sprinkles if desired!

Thin Mint Oreo Truffles

Ingredients:

• Mint Oreos
• Melting Chocolate / Chocolate Candy Bark
• Icing, Sprinkles (for decoration on top)
• Cream Cheese

Directions: 

• Break up Oreos into a food processor and blend until all chopped up.
• Using a hand mixer, mix Oreos with cream cheese until it is to a consistency where you can roll them into balls.
• Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes
• Roll into one inch ball and place on a cookie sheet with wax paper. Stick back into the refrigerator for another 15 minutes
• Melt the chocolate and then use a fork to dip the Oreo balls into it. Place back on the cookie sheet for it to harden.
• Use icing or melted white chocolate with food coloring for icing.